Here is today's summary of economic development news, a free service of the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, representing Alabama's private sector investment in economic development. If you enjoy NewsFlash, thank an
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Shapiro Metals recently launched its 11th North American plant with the opening of a new 20,000-square-foot facility in Decatur.

The plant, which recycles metals from aerospace, trailer manufacturing, automotive and medical device customers, is located on 815 Old Trinity Road. It is Shapiro's second foray into Alabama, where the company also has a facility in Mobile.

Shapiro CEO and President Bruce Shapiro said they expanded in Decatur because there is an unmet need from manufacturers and customers throughout the region.

SYLACAUGA, Ala. - The Sylacauga City Council approved a tax abatement request from Pursell Agri-Tech, LLC during its scheduled meeting Tuesday night.

The company is set to open a fertilizer coatings plant which will result in the creation in 22 jobs in Sylacauga over the next three years and a capital investment of $8,450,000.

Mayor Jim Heigl is excited about the new industry and jobs coming to his city. "22 more jobs, along with all the jobs coming to the Hwy. 280 development means this area is growing, and that's something for the people of Sylacauga to be excited about," he said. "The technology that Pursell Agri-Tech is bringing in will be a big plus to our city."

Get Your Tickets NOW for Alabama's premier innovation event on Aug. 23 at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham!

"I
believe the accelerations set loose by Silicon Valley in technology and digital globalization have created a world where every decent job demands more skill and, now, lifelong learning." -- Thomas L. Friedman, columnist and bestselling author of Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist's Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations.

Hear Friedman live at the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham on Aug. 23 for

"imerge," the next generation of the Innovation Conference that the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama has held for the last six years to celebrate and recognize how important innovation, entrepreneurs and startups are to the state's economy.

Innovation is a key to Alabama's economic future and job creation.

Friedman will speak at 4 p.m. and a networking reception follows at 5 p.m. The "imerge" EDPA 2017 Innovation Awards celebration is at 6 p.m. The annual awards highlight companies of all sizes and innovators who strengthen Alabama's economy, generate jobs and develop new ideas. The "imerge" event will continue into the evening with "Celebrate Imagination," beginning at 7 p.m., which offers a taste of Alabama, with delicious food, and live music and entertainment "after parties."